April 22nd, 2022
by Jason Hale
by Jason Hale
TOPIC: Eliminate Strife
FOUNDATION SCRIPTURE: Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV)
19. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20. Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21. Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Eliminate Strife
After reading Galatians 5:19-21, one would think that it speaks to a later judgment that will take place in the future. People seem to have lost the fear and reverence of the Lord because judgment for their behavior is not immediate. In Ecclesiastes 8:11 (TLB), it says, "Because God does not punish sinners instantly, people feel it is safe to do wrong."
The enemy is very skilled at deceiving people into thinking that they have time and that they can put off repentance until some later date. However, this passage of scripture doesn’t refer to judgment, but rather to loss.
I will explain.
When we receive salvation through Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we receive an inheritance. That inheritance is not exclusively reserved for us in some distant future, but is something that we can walk in right now.
Our inheritance is eternal life which supersedes time. Eternal life is superior to time in that it exists before time began, exists during time and exists after time ends. We have begun living our inheritance of eternal life already, although we also live in this realm of time. Included in our inheritance is our covenant of peace, which means prosperity, health, safety, happiness, favor, wellness, and rest. It is our covenant of wholeness, which means nothing missing, nothing broken, and nothing lacking.
When believers walk in strife, they cannot walk in their inheritance. Strife is not a part of our inheritance nor is it permitted in our covenant of eternal life. So when you observe someone walking in strife, you will notice things in their life that are missing, broken and lacking. Why? Because our dual citizenship allows us to walk in the benefits of eternal life right here on Earth and dwell in the Kingdom of God simultaneously. Since strife is earthly and devilish, it stands opposed to our Kingdom benefits and by default blocks our blessings.
God gave us His Word to follow, not because He wants to steal our fun, but because He knows that sin is injurious to us. So He created a scenario; whereas, we can have a place reserved for us in heaven while we enjoy some of heaven’s benefits here on Earth. Being in this scenario constitutes our immediate gain; to not be in this scenario—where we can take advantage of all those benefits—is an immediate loss.
That’s what Galatians 5:19-21 is talking about. It points out that people, who practice the works of the flesh, cause themselves to suffer an immediate loss. Their strife causes a break in their hedge. A “hedge” is a spiritual fence that surrounds us to protect us. (He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him. Ecclesiastes 10:8)
The key point to realize is that we are the ones who break our own hedge. Somehow, we know that to be true in our spirit because when we feel the enemy biting in areas where he shouldn’t be, our first reaction is self-examination.
One of the things I have observed to be a pattern with married people is that when there is strife in the home, the first thing that the enemy attacks is the family’s finances. Secondly, their children are the target. Thirdly, the couple’s covenant with each other gets challenged and unfortunately, at times, distorted.
Let’s take a look at what the scriptures say about strife. The Word tells us that strife causes rebellion and strife also causes leadership to suffer.
Numbers 27:14 (KJV) For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.
Psalm 106:32 (KJV) They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes.
Strife is burdensome and drains your mental, physical and emotional energy.
Deuteronomy 1:12 (KJV) How can I myself alone bear your encumbrance, and your burden, and your strife?
Strife has a mushroom effect. When strife is released, the effect of it grows and grows.
Proverbs 17:14 (KJV) The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
Strife causes confusion, which then allows every evil work to creep in.
James 3:16 (KJV) For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
1Corinthians 14:33 (KJV) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Sowing strife is the same as sowing discord, for strife causes discord.
Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV) These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Why does the Lord have such extreme hatred for strife and discord? It goes further than the fact that the end result is physical, mental, emotional harm and devastation to those involved. When Lucifer sinned, God changed his name to Satan and put him out of Heaven. The name Satan is de!ned as “one who sows discord.
So when a person causes strife by sowing discord, not only does their act resemble Satan; but just like Lucifer harmed himself and suffered loss when he did it, so does the person harm themselves and suffer loss. God would love for us to choose to avoid this path altogether, rather than seeing us harm ourselves. That’s why He hates it so much.
Strife resides in the heart.
James 3:14 (KJV) But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Strife is when adversity or opposition is acted out either intellectually or physically in order to gain superiority over others. Whether it’s in the home, church, neighborhood or job, it doesn’t matter. The person causing the strife is trying to gain superiority over another. What’s interesting is that sometimes the person causing this kind of strife is not even aware that competitive jealousy and envy is what is motivating their behavior.
Competitive jealousy is when a person feels like someone else is surpassing them in some area. The competition could be socially, intellectually, economically or physically driven. It could be something as vain as physical appearance. But whatever it is, such a person feels inferior and causes strife to slow the other down, stop what the other is doing, cause others to dislike the other person, or any other means of gaining superiority.
Envy works in a similar fashion. People who are envious simply want what others have. They don’t want to do the work to get their own. Both envy and strife have their root in pride.
Proverbs 28:25 (KJV) He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
Pride is like bad breath in that we’re usually the last person to know we have it. But like bad breath, pride can be remedied. All one would need to do to rid themselves of pride is to follow a few simple steps:
1. We must confess our sin to God as soon as we discover that there is pride in our heart.
1 John 1:9 (KJV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. We must wash our heart by the continual confession and meditation of scriptures on humility and love.
Ephesians 5:26 (KJV) that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
3. We must shut our mouths.
Proverbs 26:20 (KJV) “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”
James 1:26 (CEV) If you think you are being religious, but can’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and everything you do is useless.”
4. We must keep our mind on Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
When a person takes their mind off of people and puts their mind on the Lord, the Lord will keep them in perfect peace. This is important because if a person has peace in their heart, they will speak peace.
Luke 6:45 (NKJV) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth the good. And an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth the evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Last but certainly not least,
5. We must act out love and humility by valuing others with the proper respect and friendship.
Philippians 2:3 (KJV) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Remember this: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth the good. And an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth the evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
ASSIGNMENTS:
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for Your Word to me today. I ask for Your grace, help and wisdom to make my life free of strife, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THE BOOK: YOUR PROSPERITY BLUEPRINT by Jason Hale.
LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Prosperity-Blueprint-Success-Intended/dp/1614480656
COUNSEL: Meditate the scriptures above to get them in your heart and watch your life change.
QUOTE: "Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it." - Psalms 34:14 (NLT)
DAILY BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 25-26, Psalms 63, Matthew 9
PROPHETIC WORD/DECLARATION: I decree that you shall experience the significant benefits of living in peace everywhere you go, in Jesus' Name.
Today’s devotional was written by Jason Hale of Jason Hale Ministries.
With your ongoing faithful support, we can reach the world and connect people to God through the Gospel. Through your giving, we can also help more people through our outreaches as the hands and feet of Jesus sharing the love and hope found in Jesus Christ. Hurting people are transformed from the inside out as they learn what it means to live for God and be loved by Him.
You may give easily and securely using the Giving tab below on the app or the Give page on our website. May God bless you according to His promise in the scripture below.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
Notice: Until you are born again (from above), you will never know the riches of God's love and tender mercy towards you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory in this world. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Dear Lord, I come to You now, just as I am. You know my life. You know how I've lived. Forgive me Lord. I repent of my sins. I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for my sins and on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Lord Jesus, I ask you to come into my heart. Live Your life in me and through me from now on. From this day forward, I belong to You, in the Name of Jesus, Amen."
The very moment you commit your life to Jesus Christ, the truth of His Word instantly comes to pass in your spirit. If you prayed that prayer and meant it from your heart, a miracle has just taken place in your life and there’s a brand-new you! CONGRATULATIONS! Welcome to the Kingdom of God.
Please contact us and let us know that you’ve prayed to receive Jesus as your Savior.
FOUNDATION SCRIPTURE: Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV)
19. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20. Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21. Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Eliminate Strife
After reading Galatians 5:19-21, one would think that it speaks to a later judgment that will take place in the future. People seem to have lost the fear and reverence of the Lord because judgment for their behavior is not immediate. In Ecclesiastes 8:11 (TLB), it says, "Because God does not punish sinners instantly, people feel it is safe to do wrong."
The enemy is very skilled at deceiving people into thinking that they have time and that they can put off repentance until some later date. However, this passage of scripture doesn’t refer to judgment, but rather to loss.
I will explain.
When we receive salvation through Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we receive an inheritance. That inheritance is not exclusively reserved for us in some distant future, but is something that we can walk in right now.
Our inheritance is eternal life which supersedes time. Eternal life is superior to time in that it exists before time began, exists during time and exists after time ends. We have begun living our inheritance of eternal life already, although we also live in this realm of time. Included in our inheritance is our covenant of peace, which means prosperity, health, safety, happiness, favor, wellness, and rest. It is our covenant of wholeness, which means nothing missing, nothing broken, and nothing lacking.
When believers walk in strife, they cannot walk in their inheritance. Strife is not a part of our inheritance nor is it permitted in our covenant of eternal life. So when you observe someone walking in strife, you will notice things in their life that are missing, broken and lacking. Why? Because our dual citizenship allows us to walk in the benefits of eternal life right here on Earth and dwell in the Kingdom of God simultaneously. Since strife is earthly and devilish, it stands opposed to our Kingdom benefits and by default blocks our blessings.
God gave us His Word to follow, not because He wants to steal our fun, but because He knows that sin is injurious to us. So He created a scenario; whereas, we can have a place reserved for us in heaven while we enjoy some of heaven’s benefits here on Earth. Being in this scenario constitutes our immediate gain; to not be in this scenario—where we can take advantage of all those benefits—is an immediate loss.
That’s what Galatians 5:19-21 is talking about. It points out that people, who practice the works of the flesh, cause themselves to suffer an immediate loss. Their strife causes a break in their hedge. A “hedge” is a spiritual fence that surrounds us to protect us. (He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him. Ecclesiastes 10:8)
The key point to realize is that we are the ones who break our own hedge. Somehow, we know that to be true in our spirit because when we feel the enemy biting in areas where he shouldn’t be, our first reaction is self-examination.
One of the things I have observed to be a pattern with married people is that when there is strife in the home, the first thing that the enemy attacks is the family’s finances. Secondly, their children are the target. Thirdly, the couple’s covenant with each other gets challenged and unfortunately, at times, distorted.
Let’s take a look at what the scriptures say about strife. The Word tells us that strife causes rebellion and strife also causes leadership to suffer.
Numbers 27:14 (KJV) For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.
Psalm 106:32 (KJV) They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes.
Strife is burdensome and drains your mental, physical and emotional energy.
Deuteronomy 1:12 (KJV) How can I myself alone bear your encumbrance, and your burden, and your strife?
Strife has a mushroom effect. When strife is released, the effect of it grows and grows.
Proverbs 17:14 (KJV) The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
Strife causes confusion, which then allows every evil work to creep in.
James 3:16 (KJV) For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
1Corinthians 14:33 (KJV) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Sowing strife is the same as sowing discord, for strife causes discord.
Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV) These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Why does the Lord have such extreme hatred for strife and discord? It goes further than the fact that the end result is physical, mental, emotional harm and devastation to those involved. When Lucifer sinned, God changed his name to Satan and put him out of Heaven. The name Satan is de!ned as “one who sows discord.
So when a person causes strife by sowing discord, not only does their act resemble Satan; but just like Lucifer harmed himself and suffered loss when he did it, so does the person harm themselves and suffer loss. God would love for us to choose to avoid this path altogether, rather than seeing us harm ourselves. That’s why He hates it so much.
Strife resides in the heart.
James 3:14 (KJV) But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Strife is when adversity or opposition is acted out either intellectually or physically in order to gain superiority over others. Whether it’s in the home, church, neighborhood or job, it doesn’t matter. The person causing the strife is trying to gain superiority over another. What’s interesting is that sometimes the person causing this kind of strife is not even aware that competitive jealousy and envy is what is motivating their behavior.
Competitive jealousy is when a person feels like someone else is surpassing them in some area. The competition could be socially, intellectually, economically or physically driven. It could be something as vain as physical appearance. But whatever it is, such a person feels inferior and causes strife to slow the other down, stop what the other is doing, cause others to dislike the other person, or any other means of gaining superiority.
Envy works in a similar fashion. People who are envious simply want what others have. They don’t want to do the work to get their own. Both envy and strife have their root in pride.
Proverbs 28:25 (KJV) He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
Pride is like bad breath in that we’re usually the last person to know we have it. But like bad breath, pride can be remedied. All one would need to do to rid themselves of pride is to follow a few simple steps:
1. We must confess our sin to God as soon as we discover that there is pride in our heart.
1 John 1:9 (KJV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. We must wash our heart by the continual confession and meditation of scriptures on humility and love.
Ephesians 5:26 (KJV) that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
3. We must shut our mouths.
Proverbs 26:20 (KJV) “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”
James 1:26 (CEV) If you think you are being religious, but can’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and everything you do is useless.”
4. We must keep our mind on Jesus.
Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
When a person takes their mind off of people and puts their mind on the Lord, the Lord will keep them in perfect peace. This is important because if a person has peace in their heart, they will speak peace.
Luke 6:45 (NKJV) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth the good. And an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth the evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Last but certainly not least,
5. We must act out love and humility by valuing others with the proper respect and friendship.
Philippians 2:3 (KJV) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Remember this: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth the good. And an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth the evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Quiet your mind and wait on God for at least 5 minutes, then immediately write down your thoughts afterward.
- Make up your mind to walk in peace and love toward others.
- Let your dwelling be a place of peace. Don't allow strife in your home.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for Your Word to me today. I ask for Your grace, help and wisdom to make my life free of strife, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THE BOOK: YOUR PROSPERITY BLUEPRINT by Jason Hale.
LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Prosperity-Blueprint-Success-Intended/dp/1614480656
COUNSEL: Meditate the scriptures above to get them in your heart and watch your life change.
QUOTE: "Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it." - Psalms 34:14 (NLT)
DAILY BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 25-26, Psalms 63, Matthew 9
PROPHETIC WORD/DECLARATION: I decree that you shall experience the significant benefits of living in peace everywhere you go, in Jesus' Name.
Today’s devotional was written by Jason Hale of Jason Hale Ministries.
With your ongoing faithful support, we can reach the world and connect people to God through the Gospel. Through your giving, we can also help more people through our outreaches as the hands and feet of Jesus sharing the love and hope found in Jesus Christ. Hurting people are transformed from the inside out as they learn what it means to live for God and be loved by Him.
You may give easily and securely using the Giving tab below on the app or the Give page on our website. May God bless you according to His promise in the scripture below.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
Notice: Until you are born again (from above), you will never know the riches of God's love and tender mercy towards you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory in this world. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Dear Lord, I come to You now, just as I am. You know my life. You know how I've lived. Forgive me Lord. I repent of my sins. I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for my sins and on the third day, He was raised from the dead. Lord Jesus, I ask you to come into my heart. Live Your life in me and through me from now on. From this day forward, I belong to You, in the Name of Jesus, Amen."
The very moment you commit your life to Jesus Christ, the truth of His Word instantly comes to pass in your spirit. If you prayed that prayer and meant it from your heart, a miracle has just taken place in your life and there’s a brand-new you! CONGRATULATIONS! Welcome to the Kingdom of God.
Please contact us and let us know that you’ve prayed to receive Jesus as your Savior.
Posted in Agreement, Eliminate Strife, Honoring God, Love, Renew Your Mind
Posted in Eliminate Strife, #no strife, #Jason Hale, Elder Jason Hale, Jason Hale Ministries, Galatians 5:19-21
Posted in Eliminate Strife, #no strife, #Jason Hale, Elder Jason Hale, Jason Hale Ministries, Galatians 5:19-21
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